Are you physically fit? It's no secret that many Americans have become less physically active over the past 20 years. As a result, many people — including children — struggle with weight-related health issues like never before.

To help people of all ages and abilities learn more about exercise and nutrition, the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition started the President's Challenge. The goal of the President's Challenge is to encourage all Americans to adopt a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise and healthy eating.

Children in schools across the United States participate in the President's Challenge as part of their physicaleducation classes each year. Students who complete all six events — Powerful PACER, Balanced Body Composition, Correct Curl-Up, Terrific Trunk Lift, Perfect Push-Up, and Stretchy Sit and Reach — are eligible to win the Presidential PhysicalFitness Award or join the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP) Fitness Club.

Of course, you don't have to be a student to participate in the President's Challenge. The President's Challenge is for everyone, from adults to kids and fitness beginners to elite athletes.

The President's Challenge has helped millions of people to become more physically fit, feel better, and begin to lead more active lifestyles.

Depending on your age and your fitness goals, the President's Challenge actually consists of four separate challenges:

The Presidential ActiveLifestyle Award (PALA) challenges people of all ages to make physical activity part of their everyday lives.

The Presidential Champions Challenge encourages those who are very serious about physicalfitness to be more active more often.

So, if you want to become more physically fit or need a little nudge to become more active, the President's Challenge is for you. If you want to become more active as a family, consider the Presidential ActiveLifestyle Award (PALA) challenge.

The PALA challenge encourages you to make daily physical activity a part of your lifestyle. With more than 100 possible activities, it's easy for everyone in your family to find a fun way to become more active! Playing, gardening, sports, walking, jogging — these and many more activities meet the requirements.

No matter how old you are or what shape you're currently in, the President's Challenge programs encourage you and your family to choose to move. It's never too late to become more active, and there are many activities to choose from. So get moving today!

Wonder Words (18)

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Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day may sound a bit like the ABCs!

Try It Out

Are you ready to get active? Find a friend or family member to help you check out the following fun activities:

So what do you say? Are you ready to make a commitment to better physical fitness? If so, head on over to The President's Challenge site to Choose a Challenge and sign up! Keep track of how well you are doing and earn awards. Of course, a healthier, more active lifestyle is the ultimate reward, so get started now!

What types of exercise do you like to do on a regular basis? Do you play sports? Or do you prefer to go hiking with your family in the wilderness? Choose a family adventure to enjoy together some weekend soon. It could be hiking, biking, or even canoeing or kayaking! Have fun exercising together as you make family memories!

Being active doesn't always come naturally for everyone. After all, it can be enjoyable to take a load off when the school day is over. We all need to rest from time to time, but we also need to be active on a regular basis to stay healthy. Think about how much time you spend being sedentary (inactive) on a daily and weekly basis. What small changes could you make to your normal activities to make them more active?

Nancy norman

Wonderopolis

May 24, 2013

Hey there, Nancy, what a great question! We're glad you visited us and connected the dots between a former Presidential Challenge! You're right, President Kennedy wanted to keep the healthy of Americans in everyone's minds, so he created a program about it. You can Wonder about it here: http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/Physical-Fitness.aspx :)